Bulgaria Private Family Friendly Self Drive Off Road Tour 8 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in the capital, Sofia
1 stop
1
Sofia
Arrive in Sofia, where your SUV will be ready for pickup at the airport before you head to your hotel. If time allows, begin exploring Sofia’s rich history—starting with the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, followed by the serene St. Nicholas Russian Church. Continue to the area around the National Gallery, where you can enjoy both world-class art and the surrounding gardens. Later, treat yourself to a traditional Bulgarian meal and wrap up the day with a relaxed stroll along the lively Vitosha Boulevard, lined with shops, cafés, and beautiful views of Mount Vitosha.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Starting the journey: The Plana and Rila Mountain Ranges
1 stop
2
Rila Mountains
Depart toward the ancient forests of the Plana Range, where your off-road self-drive adventure truly begins. Navigate narrow, winding trails beneath shaded trees, with stunning and unexpected panoramic views of the distant Rila and Pirin Mountains revealing themselves along the way. The Plana Ridge off-road trail takes you deep into dense forest terrain, offering a mix of scenic driving and short, family-friendly walks through nature, with chances to spot local wildlife and unique plant life. If time and energy allow, continue on the off-road trail to the Black Rock area, where the dramatic Black Rock viewpoint rewards you with breathtaking vistas and a peaceful pause in the wilderness.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Rila Range and the Seven Rila Lakes
1 stop
3
Seven Rila Lakes
Begin your day with a scenic drive through the charming villages near Borovets, nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains. From there, take the open cable car up through dense forests to reach the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes, a stunning alpine region perfect for a family-friendly hike among crystal-clear glacial lakes. After exploring the lakes on foot, continue your off-road journey along the slopes of the Rila Ridge. This trail offers panoramic viewpoints over the vast Balkan Range and the shimmering waters of Lake Iskar—one of Bulgaria’s largest lakes—before descending back toward your accommodation through wild, rugged terrain.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Alpine coaster, Off-road, Lake Belmeken, Visit to a Local Home
1 stop
4
Bansko
Spend the day surrounded by the magical landscapes of the Rila Mountains, combining light, family-friendly nature walks with unforgettable experiences. Start with a visit to the peaceful shores of Lake Belmeken, where serenity meets alpine beauty. From there, enjoy a thrilling off-road trail through forested paths leading to a high plateau where the Rila, Rhodope, and Pirin mountain ranges converge. Add some adrenaline with an exciting ride on an alpine mountain coaster, perfect for both kids and adults. The day is topped off with a special visit to a local home, where you’ll enjoy warm Balkan hospitality and a traditional lunch—an authentic and engaging cultural experience for the whole family.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Rafting, Pirin Ridge, mountain air, joyful folklore
1 stop
5
Pirin National Park
Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly day exploring the wild beauty of the Pirin Range and beyond, packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural flavor. Start with an exhilarating rafting trip on the Struma River, gliding through lush vegetation and willow-lined banks. Then, take on a breathtaking off-road trail along the high ridges of the Pirin Mountains, passing through alpine meadows, remote seasonal villages, and ancient forests. Ride the cable car up to Lake Bezbog for a gentle walk around its tranquil shores, surrounded by mountain views. In the evening, head to Bansko for dinner at Machnaya, a beloved local restaurant, where the day ends on a high note with delicious food and live gypsy music in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
To the Rhodope Range: Slate villages, Pomak people, Devin
1 stop
6
Travel from Bansko into the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, blending nature, history, and local charm on this off-road journey. Begin with a visit to Kovachevitsa, a beautifully preserved village of slate-stone houses, where a walking tour through its narrow, cobbled alleys reveals centuries of tradition and architectural heritage. From there, continue on an off-road trail through the forested landscapes of the Rhodopes, making your way toward Dospat Lake. Along the way, stop in the town of Dospat, home to the Pomaks—a unique community of light-eyed, fair-haired Bulgarians with deep cultural roots. The day ends with a relaxing stay at a family-friendly spa hotel, offering a warm welcome and a chance to unwind after a day of exploration.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Adrenaline Day: Eco Trail, Zip Line, Via Ferrata
1 stop
7
Get ready for an action-packed, family-friendly day filled with nature, culture, and adrenaline near the Greek border. Start with a forest hike along a scenic eco-trail that leads to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Smolyan, then feel the thrill of soaring over a deep canyon on a zip line. For an added rush, take on the Via Ferrata—a professionally guided, secured climbing route along a dramatic cliff face. After the adventure, continue your off-road journey along remote trails near the Greek villages, winding through beautiful landscapes. A short hike brings you to the home of a traditional bagpipe maker, offering a glimpse into local craft and culture. The day wraps up with a spectacular off-road drive to the Devin viewpoint, perched high on a ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Wooden bridges in Devin Canyon and flight back home
1 stop
8
Start your day with a beautiful morning hike along the floating bridges of Devin Canyon, where the trail transitions from wide paths to charming bridges suspended above the canyon’s clear waters. Afterward, return your SUV and travel back to Sofia for a city tour before catching your evening flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
10 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Car rental is subject to the terms and conditions of local rental companies, and local laws

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